Marion County, OR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear-yard coverage cap
- 25 percent
- Applies to
- All accessory structures
- Excluded
- RS-zone use fences
- AR minimum lot size
- Two acres
- Citation
- MCC 17.117.020
Summary
In Marion County residential zones, all accessory structures combined may cover no more than 25 percent of the rear yard area, with fences in RS-zone uses excluded from that calculation (MCC 17.117.020).
The lot coverage by all accessory structures, except fences in connection with uses in RS zones, shall not be more than 25 percent of rear yard area.
Full Breakdown
Marion County limits how much of a rear yard can be filled with accessory buildings. MCC 17.117.020 states that lot coverage by all accessory structures, except fences in connection with uses in RS zones, shall not be more than 25 percent of the rear yard area. This keeps sheds, garages, and other outbuildings from overwhelming a residential lot. The regulation applies to all residential zones and to structures in other zones used in conjunction with residences, but not to properties in farm and forest zones (MCC 17.117.010). Minimum lot sizes are set separately by zone, for example two acres in the AR zone (MCC 17.128.070). Check your zone for its dimensional standards.
Violations & Fines
Adding accessory structures beyond the 25 percent rear-yard coverage cap is a zoning violation and can block permit approval until the excess is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my backyard can I fill with sheds and garages?
Does the coverage limit apply on farmland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon building setbacks & zoning overview
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